perquisite
C2Formal, Business, Legal
Definition
Meaning
A special right, privilege, or benefit that comes with a particular job or position, especially beyond regular salary.
Any incidental benefit, gain, or advantage beyond what is formally due or expected; historically, also referred to goods or profits taken by feudal lords.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often abbreviated to 'perk' in informal contexts. The term implies something extra, not part of the core compensation package. Can carry a slightly archaic or bureaucratic tone when used in full.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The full word 'perquisite' is equally formal in both varieties. The informal abbreviation 'perk' is more common in everyday speech in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, the full term can sound somewhat old-fashioned or deliberately precise. In business contexts, it is neutral.
Frequency
The full form 'perquisite' is low-frequency in both UK and US English, primarily found in formal contracts, legal documents, and HR literature. 'Perk' is the dominant form in general usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[perquisite] of [noun phrase][perquisite] for [noun phrase]to have/receive [perquisite]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All part of the perks (of the job).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR, compensation, and contract discussions to denote non-salary benefits like a company car or private healthcare.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or sociological texts discussing feudal systems or labour economics.
Everyday
Rarely used in full; the informal 'perk' is standard.
Technical
Used in legal and tax contexts to define benefits subject to specific regulations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A company car is a nice perk for managers.
- One of the perquisites of senior management is a generous expense account.
- The contract meticulously detailed all monetary and non-monetary perquisites, including stock options and club memberships.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PERK is inside PERquisite. A PERK is a special benefit, and a PERquisite is the full, formal word for it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOB IS A PACKAGE (containing core salary and extra 'perquisites').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пререквизит' (prerequisite). 'Perquisite' is 'дополнительная льгота', 'привилегия по должности', or 'неденежное вознаграждение'. The informal 'perk' is often translated as 'бонус' or 'плюшка' (colloquial).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'prerequisite' (which means 'required beforehand').
- Using 'perquisite' in casual conversation where 'perk' would be more natural.
- Confusing it with 'prerogative' (a right or privilege).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best synonym for 'perquisite' in a formal business report?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'perquisite' (perk) is a benefit that comes with a job. A 'prerequisite' is something that is required as a condition for something else (e.g., a degree is a prerequisite for the job). They are often confused due to similar spelling.
No, the full word 'perquisite' is quite formal and relatively rare in everyday speech. The shortened form 'perk' is extremely common and used in both casual and business contexts.
Typically, no. A perquisite is by definition an extra benefit or advantage. However, in historical contexts, it could refer to profits taken by authority which might be viewed negatively by those providing them.
No. While many perquisites have financial value (like a car or housing allowance), they can also be non-financial privileges, such as flexible working hours, a reserved parking space, or access to exclusive facilities.
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